MEDIA RELEASE
September 2009

WelTec announced as base for Wellington Trades Academy

Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) has been confirmed as the base for the newly established Wellington Regional Trades Academy. 113 expressions of interest were received for the much anticipated programme according to the Ministry of Education. WelTec were revealed as one of just five academies to run nationwide as announced today by Minister of Education, Hon. Anne Tolley.

Designed to ensure the engagement of young New Zealanders in education, the scheme focuses on delivering trades and technology programmes in partnership with secondary schools, tertiary institutions, industry training organisations and employers.

“Wellington Institute of Technology has provided trade and technology training for over 100 years. We are a major provider of Industry Training Organisation programmes and work closely with both industry and secondary schools. We are well placed to provide an innovative solution for keeping students engaged in education while being responsive to schools, business and economic needs” says WelTec CEO, Dr Linda Sissons.

“The Academy will develop a strong trades/technology skills base that corresponds to New Zealand’s business needs by creating a labour force of work-ready and skilled people. Young people will be encouraged to remain in training in order to develop higher levels of skills to meet the higher productively needs of the economy” says Dr Sissons.

Targeted at students in Year 11-13, the academies are expected to better equip students opting for a vocationally focussed qualification, with the opportunity to align secondary schooling with tertiary studies so that students may receive joint qualifications.

Local workforce requirements are a major factor for the academies with the objective of strengthening the economy through the provision of skilled labour. The academy will provide options for both young men and women and encourage students to enter into trades that are non traditional for their respective genders.

The Wellington Trade Academy will allow students to choose from a range of subject areas such as Construction Trades, Technology, Engineering, Automotive, Business Retail Services, Hairdressing/Makeup and Hospitality/Culinary Arts. Students will earn pre-trade qualifications and skills which will lead to apprenticeships and further learning and training. Vocational experience will also be interwoven into courses through industry partnerships.

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